Monday, March 14, 2011

I don't know if I would go as far as to say that I'm artistic, but I'd classify myself as imaginative. And definitely resourceful when it comes to thinking up new projects.

But when I am introduced to someone who has true talent at what they do, I can certainly recognize and appreciate it. After all, to be able to not only visualize a beautiful piece of hand stamped jewelry but then to be able to pick up a few tools and actually create it, well, that's just impressive.

And when the finished pieces are anything but ordinary, that can only mean that any purchase from Joseph Allen Designs will be an amazing and cherished gift or keepsake for yourself or the lucky recipient in your life for years to come.

Specializing in handmade, high quality, unique hand stamped necklaces, Joseph Allen Designs has more than a decade's worth of experience in giving customers exactly what they're looking for in their jewelry.

And what makes these pieces different? First, as they are cast out of Argentium Sterling Silver, each one is extremely tarnish-resistant... and who wants a tarnished necklace? Second, the sand-blasted finish to each item is something that has to be seen in person to appreciate, as it truly does give a great look and feel to the completed piece.

But the most important aspect is just how beautiful each accessory ends up and the way that they combine simplicity with elegance to form something pretty amazing. Each design is unique and different and you have a long list of ways to personalize your selection right down to every last specification.

With so many options in gold, silver or Mokume (the stunning finish pictured above that I have never seen before), smooth or hammered, individual or multi-tiered, birthstones, charms, and much more, the difficult decision lies in... well, actually making a decision.

As Mother's Day is quickly approaching, I knew right away that a necklace from Joseph Allen Designs would be something that my mother-in-law would love, particularly if it was customized to help her show off one of her favorite topics: her grandchildren.

At the moment those are my two daughters, but in the future I'm sure that more grandkids will join the family, so the One Two Three Discs necklace was the perfect selection for her. Two discs for now... but easily added to when the time comes.

I was able to choose the number of discs, the chain style and length, and even add my daughters' birthstones. I loved that as well as adding the birthstones on as a charm, I had the option of embedding the stones right into the discs - which is what I chose. And, after a very short time, a cute box showed up and proved to me that I had made great decisions.

Opening it up, I found that this necklace is just the right combination of classic and fashionable and the personalization turned out beautiful. The name on each disc is individually done perfectly and the birthstone just gives a unique finishing touch that I haven't seen before.

The whole piece is prominent enough to be noticed but not so unusual that it would be out of place with a casual t-shirt to a formal dress. I love that my mother-in-law will be able to pull this out daily if she chooses or keep it for special occasions and it will always go with her look. The necklace even came with its own polishing cloth and instructions so that she can keep it shiny and new for as long as she continues wearing it!

Whether your taste is simple or intricate, small or large, the prices at Joseph Allen Designs are affordable (the One Two Three Discs necklace retails for $37) and the results are stunning. Even though hand stamped necklaces are the largest feature, you can also find a smaller number of bracelets and earrings that are just as wonderful.

This Mother's Day or just for any upcoming holiday or event, you'll love the beauty of Joseph Allen Designs! And, thanks to their generosity, one person will get to experience just that, because...

One lucky person will win a $50 gift certificate to Joseph Allen Designs!

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you subscribe to the Joseph Allen Designs newsletter (found on the left side on the homepage), subscribe to the Joseph Allen Designs blog by RSS feed, subscribe to the Joseph Allen Designs blog by email, Like Joseph Allen Designs on Facebook and/or follow Joseph Allen Designs on Twitter.1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.Giveaway will end on April 8th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be required to create an account on Joseph Allen Designs in order for the gift certificate to be credited. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.A big thank you to Joseph Allen Designs for providing a hand stamped necklace for me to review as well as a $50 gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com but the opinions shared are my own and honest if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.